Hhmmm....Well, the best thing to carry is one's brain; truly the weapon is what's inside the the skull. I was always taught that a gun, knife, or other implement is simply a tool. Field expediency can also convert a lot of commonly carried items an implement that can be utilized for defense/attack.

But, to answer the question of this thread more directly....A walking-cane is nice, especially if one limps a little.--Patrice